FIFA Ranking #10 · 14 World Cups · Best: Third place
Belgium's "golden generation" is in its twilight — De Bruyne turns 35 during the tournament — but the Red Devils retain enormous quality and are joined by an exciting new wave in Openda and De Ketelaere. Under Tedesco, they arrive as firm favourites to top Group C.
Group G opponents
Kevin De Bruyne
⭐ Star PlayerManchester City
Attacking Midfielder
105
Caps
27
Goals
35
Age
One of the greatest midfielders of his generation — City's creative genius and Belgium's captain, though age means 2026 may be his final tournament.
Lois Openda
RB Leipzig
Striker
35
Caps
18
Goals
24
Age
Leipzig's explosive striker who emerged as the Red Devils' new No. 9 — electric in behind and prolific in front of goal.
Charles De Ketelaere
Atalanta
Attacking Midfielder
38
Caps
10
Goals
24
Age
Atalanta's technically gifted No. 10 who fulfilled his potential in Serie A and is now Belgium's most creative young midfielder.
Thibaut Courtois
Real Madrid
Goalkeeper
100
Caps
0
Goals
34
Age
Real Madrid's world-class goalkeeper — arguably the best in the world when fit, as he showed in the 2022 Champions League Final.
All times local to venue. Group stage results determine knockout seedings.
Egypt
FIFA #36
Lumen Field
Seattle, WA
Iran
FIFA #33
SoFi Stadium
Los Angeles, CA
New Zealand
FIFA #92
BC Place
Vancouver, Canada
Win 2 tickets to the World Cup Final 🏆
2,148 fans entered · $5,000 prize · closes with tournament
14
Appearances
0
Titles
#10
FIFA Rank
Third place
Best Result
Belgium's greatest achievement is 3rd place in 2018 with a Lukaku-inspired run — they finished 4th in 1986. The much-hyped golden generation of De Bruyne, Hazard, and Lukaku won the FIFA ranking top spot but never quite delivered the World Cup they were expected to. This transitional squad carries a different kind of pressure.
Formation
Wide attacking triangle, pressing high up the pitch
Head Coach
Domenico Tedesco
Italian-German · 4-3-3
Domenico Tedesco leads Belgium into the 2026 World Cup with a 4-3-3 system built around the squad's strengths.
The three teams Belgium must face in the group stage.
FIFA World Cup 2026 Sweepstakes
MetLife Stadium · July 19, 2026 · $5,000 package including flights & hotel. Answer trivia questions to earn entry tickets - completely free.
Take the Free Quiz & Enter →No purchase necessary. US residents 18+.
Following Belgium at the 2026 World Cup? You could be there in person.
🏆 Win Final Tickets - Enter FreeNo purchase necessary · US residents 18+